Most of the concerns presented to the Howard County Public School System?s ombudsman during the past year involved parents? issues with teachers and administrators, and procedures governing school programs and policies, according to a recently released report.
Robin Shell was hired last year as the school system?s ombudsman to serve as a neutral party to respond to concerns raised by the system?s employees, students, parents and citizens. Her duties include taking phone calls about the concerns, answering e-mails and conducting meetings with the parties involved.
During the School Board?s meeting on Thursday, Shell presented a report of 130 cases she worked on from February 2005 through March 2006.
In addition to concerns about administrators, other cases involved student discipline, and parents? concerns regarding special education and bullying. The report also categorizes the cases by school level and type of visitor who sought the services of the ombudsman.
“With my involvement at certain levels ? as a facilitator ? I hope that I?ve been productive,” Shell said.
Many board members said they were pleased that Shell helps alleviate the concerns of residents and community members who interact with the school system.
“I?m very convinced that we did the right thing” by hiring Shell, Patricia Gordon said.
“We appreciate the work you?ve done,” Diane Mikulis said.
At a glance
The following are some of the concerns and school-level referrals presented to the Howard County Public School System?s ombudsman from February 2005 to March 2006. Also included are examples of the types of people who used the ombudsman?s services during the same period.
Types of concerns
» School administration – 36 percent
» Student discipline – 14 percent
» Special education – 11 percent
» Bullying – 11 percent
Referrals to ombudsman by school level
» High school – 42 percent
» Middle school – 26 percent
» Elementary school – 18 percent
Visitors to the ombudsman’s office
» Parents – 77 percent
» Advocate (e.g. special education advocates) – 9 percent
» Community representative (e.g. elected officials) – 8 percent
